Christmas is the joyous celebration that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Christians across the world get together with family and friends as the festive season enlivens the homes and streets with dazzling lights and colourful decorations. In Sri Lanka, Christmas spirit is celebrated with joy and happiness, and as Colombo welcomes the joyous festive season, the celestial sound of carol services echoes the Christmas spirit. The chapels and school halls ringing with joy and brimming with evangelical zeal of the choristers, these carols solemnly draw upon the traditional favourites. Moreover, amidst the cold climes of Nuwara Eliya, you can experience whimsical and traditional Christmas celebrations.

Colombo hosts a great set of pubs and bars with atmospheres ranging from luxurious to rustic. If you are in town or just want to grab a drink after a busy day we have narrowed down the times and places where you can maximise your socialising budget. Enter the best happy hours Colombo has to offer–this top-rate bars offer deals and discounts for food and drinks. Its just the right amount of make up that is needed to make one look ‘good’, or ‘posh’ in the end of the day, these are Happy Hour at 7° North, Cinnamon Lakeside From the Caipirinha to the classical Margarita, a diverse variety of cocktails, beverages combined with a selection of mouthwatering dishes. Days: Monday–Friday Time: 7.00pm–11.00pm Cloud Red at Cinnamon Red With both indoor and outdoor bar counters, Cloud Red has happy hour offers on their cocktail pitchers (Ten cocktail pitchers) Days: Daily Opens from 5.00pm Happy Hour at Curve Tapas Restaurant and Bar, Park Street Mews Offers a range of wines, cocktails, tapas and desserts. Days: Daily Time: 5:00pm to 7:00pm Happy Hour at Stella Karaoke Bar, Hilton Colombo 50% off on an array of beverages. Days: Daily Time: 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm Special offers at Pool Bar, Hilton Colombo Enjoy 50% off on selected beverages. Days: Daily Time: 5:00pm to 6:00pm Happy Hour at Retro Bar, The Bayleaf The Bayleaf is not only known for its exquisite Italian cuisine. This retro-style bar serves premium liquor, fine selection of wine and cocktails. Days:

Street food is a national treasure here in Sri Lanka. The fondness and love we put into making food with recipes that have been passed down generation after generation, has in no small way affected the very fabric of our every day lives. So next time you are in our neck of the woods and you’re looking for something good to eat… here are seven tasty street food treats, you don’t want to miss out on.
Kothu
The King of Sri Lankan street food, Kothu in theory seems like an easy enough dish to make but people rarely make it at home. Instead Kothu can be bought at anyone of the multitude of restaurants that has to offer. The dish consists of Godambha rotti, vegetables, egg or meat and some spices. It is prepared on a hot cooking surface with two rectangular knives chopping the roti and accompaniments up into small pieces before it is served piping hot. Kothu is usually accompanied with sauce to put over it like Masala sauce.
Acharu
Acharu is a very fond memory for every Sri Lankan who has the tangy, sweet taste of it etched into their minds thanks to their childhood. What the dish is un ripe fruit pickled in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, salt and some chili powder. Often fruits used for Acharu are mango, pineapple and ambarella but it is also made using olives.
Uludu Wade
Wade is a staple in any Sri Lankan street food connoisseur’s pantry. This savory doughnut type morsel is soft and doughy on the inside but crispy on the outside often times w

Galle Face Green, the little gay strip in the heart of Colombo open to all, has been a part of the city since Dutch times. But it became a promenade only in 1859. Victorian ladies with parasols and umbrellas and equally dressed up men took the air here. What a contrast from now, when less composed and haughty people of a much more liberal an advanced age gather in droves, also to ‘take the air’. But something about Galle Face Green makes it redolent of the colonial times. Probably because it is surrounded by so many colonial landmarks: the Galle Face Hotel, the cannons, the beach itself. Also the neighbourhood has changed but little from what it was in the mid 19th century. It has the same air of grandeur. Galle Face is an experience of itself. In each and every visitor coming at dusk, the place breeds a bracing feel of freedom. It is the ideal place for kiting with its sea winds, and for lovers and for any human the best place to ‘let go’ – to use a vulgar phrase. There is a great feeling of conviviality as crowds gather in the evenings and as soft hues chase each other in the sky till darkness affirms itself. Little lamps and lights glow in the promenade in the blue light, coming from carts selling street food.

If you grow up in Sri Lanka, then the famous fables of “Andare” would undoubtedly be a part of your childhood. For those who haven’t, here’s an introduction.
Andare was a court jester whose witty acts and satirical comments entertained both royals and commoners alike. Most of the stories, have a comical ending with Andare getting the better of villagers and even the King. They mainly highlight the mindlessness of others, and pranks. Andare was also an accomplished poet, who could instantly compose verses, to suit any situation. His true talent however lay in his ability to get away with sheer mockery directed at even the King, who at times tried to get the better of Andare but failed. People took no offence for his light-hearted humour, for ultimately the situation became very amusing. Whether the underlying message of his prank and witticism was understood was understood remains a mystery that never bothered dear Andare! The beauty of his character, was that he just didn’t care.
So, did this daredevil really exist? There are high chances that Andare was an imaginary caricature born out of the minds of intellects who dared to sneer at the lack of intelligence and vanity of society. Another theory is that he hailed from the Southern town of Matara and was called to the Kandyan empire where he served as the jester. Despite being a mere joker, the tales suggest Andare had a superior intellect that aided him in turning situations to his favour. After his death he was buried

Our check list will ensure that you baffle guests and friends and earn a many “Where did you get this??!!”

More often than not souvenir shopping can be a confusing chore especially when you want to buy valuable items and stay clear from meaningless overpriced kitsch.Here is a list of our best pick of goodies that are proudly Sri Lankan; Make sure that you take a reasonable stash of these which are best bought here than in any other place.

Paddle through the picturesque waterways of this paradise isle
Sri Lanka is home to a host of beautiful waterways surrounded by lush greenery that sets a truly tranquil ambiance. So make the most of these views by either hopping on a boat or taking a leisurely stroll. We've listed out the popular and well-known destinations. If you plan to take a dip make sure you consult the nearby centres on which areas are safe for swimming or lookout for Danger boards. Be sure to wear bright life jackets before getting on a boat.
Gregory Lake
Gregory’s Lake situated surrounding a luscious green stretch of grass, serves as a hub for recreational activities in Nuwara Eliya. Built by Governor William Gregory during the British era, the lake is a highly sought after destination by both local and foreign trippers and is a famous spot for boat rides. You will find a number of swan and paddle boats lining its banks ready to offer you a relaxed ride and a splendid view of the surrounding panorama. This marvellous river escape is sure to cherish you with pleasant memories in your trip to hill country.
Madu Ganga (Madu River)
Madu Ganga, situated roughly 74 km from Colombo is in the Southern coastal region near Balapitiya. A renowned aquatic sight, a wetland river safari in the Madu Ganga will be quite long roughly taking between 2-3 hours. So be sure to take essentials such as water bottles, sun glasses and a hat for shade from the scorching sun. Behold the lush green mangrove swamps o